I want to invest in my child's future: where should I start?

Summary With discipline, consistency, and diverse strategies, even small monthly contributions can guarantee a solid financial future for children, as long as they are aligned with family goals and the economic scenario.

Thinking about your children's future goes far beyond choosing the ideal school or planning a memorable birthday party. Increasingly, families are seeking to build a financial legacy that ensures opportunities like exchange programs, college abroad, or even a reserve of autonomy for adulthood. However, choosing where and how to invest these resources requires more than goodwill; it also requires strategy, clear objectives, and attention to the economic climate.

According to Lucas Sharau, a certified financial planner (CFP) and partner at iHUB Investimentos, the first step is to understand that this type of investment isn't just financial, but a true life project. "Before thinking about the product or profitability, it's essential to understand the objective. We're talking about a family purpose, not just the numbers in the account," he states.

Before seeking the "best investment," parents should consider the purpose for which they are accumulating resources: college, an international experience, a nest egg for adulthood, or all of these. Defining the purpose directly impacts the timeframe, the amount to be saved, and risk tolerance.

“It’s the discipline of investing every month that builds the future, much more than trying to find the perfect investment,” Sharau emphasizes.

With timeframes often exceeding 10 years, the strategy must combine security with profitability. The most recommended assets include the Treasury IPCA+, ideal for protecting purchasing power over time; pension funds (PGBL or VGBL), which can offer tax and inheritance advantages; and multimarket funds, equity funds, or even stocks, which, despite being more volatile, can generate real gains over the years.

"Diversification across these classes is the most technically robust approach. A well-constructed portfolio has a secure foundation and a portion exposed to assets with greater return potential," explains the financial planner.

Private pension

Despite some myths about the product, private pension plans remain a useful tool when chosen well. Among the main advantages of private pension plans are the possibility of opting for a more advantageous tax regime in the long term—with a rate that can drop to 10% after 10 years of contribution—and the exclusion of this type of investment from the estate, which facilitates access to funds by beneficiaries, similar to what happens with life insurance.

According to Sharau, pension plans shouldn't be viewed as the only investment strategy, but rather as part of a well-structured financial plan. He warns that high fees or choosing overly conservative funds can compromise the effectiveness of results.

Another point to consider is the ownership of the investment. Investing directly in the child's CPF can have legal and tax implications, such as ITCMD (Donation Tax). Furthermore, transactions on behalf of minors require judicial authorization, and upon reaching 18, the young person gains full control over the amount.

The secret is not in large contributions

The good news is that you don't need a large sum of money to get started. With just R$30, you can invest in Tesouro Direto, and many pension funds accept small contributions with no entry fees. Consistency is key.

"R$100 per month, over 15 years, can become a significant amount thanks to compound interest. The ideal amount is one that fits within the family budget," Sharau emphasizes.

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